A New Mexico man, Jared White, 35, has been arrested after his 5-month-old son was found dead in the family’s home on Sunday, July 23. White is facing charges of child abuse resulting in death and abandonment of a child resulting in death. The tragic incident reportedly began with a late-night crying session, which escalated into a deadly situation.
The Discovery and Investigation
Police were called to a home on Maple Street in Clovis, New Mexico, just after 2 p.m. on Sunday after reports of an infant who was not breathing. Emergency responders attempted life-saving procedures, and the child was rushed to the Plains Regional Medical Center. Sadly, the child was pronounced dead at 2:42 p.m.
Initial statements from the Clovis Police Department raised concerns about the nature of the infant’s injuries, prompting further investigation. According to law enforcement, White’s account of events did not align with the evidence found at the scene.
Inconsistent Statements and Evidence
White allegedly told police that he discovered his son in a tipped-over bouncer after returning home from a friend’s house. He claimed that the child’s face was already purple at the time of the discovery. However, police found discrepancies in his story. The infant’s body showed signs of rigor mortis, indicating that the child had been dead for several hours before White called 911.
The investigation revealed further troubling details. Police discovered marks on the child’s body suggesting strangulation. Additionally, a witness, a friend of White’s, initially supported his account of the events but later changed her story. She claimed to have seen White strangling his son hours before making the emergency call, but she was initially too afraid to intervene.
Shocking Allegations and a Disturbing Home Environment
The witness also described an earlier incident, in which she saw White allegedly strangling the infant with both hands while the child was wrapped in a blanket. The friend said she was afraid to stop White at the time because she feared for her own safety.
In addition to the tragic death of the infant, law enforcement found disturbing conditions inside the home. Drug paraphernalia was scattered throughout the residence, and the home was described as “completely unsanitary and a possible health risk.” The second child, found alive in a separate bedroom, was removed from the house due to the unsanitary conditions, which included a dirty mattress and a baby bottle containing a cockroach.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Jared White has been arrested and charged with child abuse resulting in death and abandonment of a child resulting in death. He is currently being held at the Curry County Jail. His emotional state was described by police as “distressed and out of touch with reality,” as he was reportedly seen crying and making outbursts during interviews.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to confirm the exact cause of death through an autopsy, and further charges may be forthcoming. White’s bond has not been set, and his next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks.
